Vincent - ELA 7

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ELA TEACHER: Vincent M. Chen EMAIL ADDRESS: vincent.chen.trcs@gmail.com

UPDATED CLASSWORK / HOMEWORK POLICY, STARTING 3RD MARKING PERIOD:
  • Bring your completed homework to class at all times. You will receive a 45 if you left your homework in the locker, another classroom or at home.
  • If you turn in completed homework a day late, I will revise the 45 to a 70, the highest possible grade that may be awarded to homework that is complete but a day late.
  • I will not accept any homework that is more than a day late unless you were absent. It is your responsibility to find out what you missed. In the event of a legitimate excused absence, you have 2 days to make up missed work from an absence.
  • Bring your ELA binder (with new loose leaf paper) and 2 pens or sharpened pencils to class every day. If you do not have these and other required materials with you at the start of the class period, you will be marked down as unprepared. 30 points will be deducted from a classwork assignment grade every time you are unprepared.
  • Follow class rules at all times. The rules we agreed on – rules such as "one mic", raising your hand to take turns speaking, staying focused and remaining on task, and being respectful – help create a nurturing learning environment for all. Failure to follow class rules will result in personal warnings, which will negatively impact your academic record in the following ways:
    • two personal warnings in a single day = 30 point deduction on a classwork assignment grade
    • three personal warnings in a single day = DETENTION & 30 point deduction on a classwork assignment grade
    • personal warnings 2 days out of the week = LETTER TO HOME & 30 point deduction on a classwork assignment grade
    • personal warnings 3 or more days out of the week = Either (a) FAMILY CONFERENCE & 30 point deduction from 2 classwork assignment grades, OR (b) 3 points off marking period grade

HOMEWORK (STARTING WITH THE MOST RECENT):

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2015
  • 701 and 702: HW due Thursday, 2/26/15
    1. Complete all questions and exercises in Lesson 6, Parts 4 & 5 of the Ready Workbook.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015
  • 701 and 702: HW due Wednesday, 2/25/15
    1. Complete all questions and exercises in Lesson 5, Part 5 of the Ready Workbook.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2015
  • 701: HW due Tuesday, 2/24/15
    1. Complete Exit Ticket from Class. Your chart must contain at least 2 pieces of direct (quoted) evidence + 2 pieces of background information that explain 2 inferences you've made about Neftali's father from The Dreamer.
  • 702: No Class today due to 8th period Middle School Town Hall Meeting. Make sure to bring your Mid-Winter Break HW to class tomorrow (see HW due Monday, 2/23/15 listed below).

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2015
  • 701: HW due Monday, 2/23/15
    1. Complete Kaplan Workbook, pages 3-53 (Unit 1, Lessons 1 & 2 + Unit 2, Lessons 1, 2 and 3)
    2. Write a 4-6 paragraph essay describing what you dream to be or do one day.
    3. Continue reading independently for at least 15 minutes a day
    4. Ask parent/guardian to sign the HW handout

  • 702: HW due Monday, 2/23/15
    1. Complete Kaplan Workbook, pages 3-53 (Unit 1, Lessons 1 & 2 + Unit 2, Lessons 1, 2 and 3)
    2. Write a 4-6 paragraph essay describing what you dream to be or do one day.
    3. Continue reading independently for at least 15 minutes a day
    4. Ask parent/guardian to sign the HW handout



HOMEWORK for Monday, 12/1/14 [Both 701 & 702]
  1. Due Tuesday, 12/2/14: Complete the "legal-sized/larger-sized" handout distributed in class today. In other words, fill in the blanks for Story #3, #4 and #5. Tell us from whose point of view is the story written. Next, in the margins next to the story, explain how you figured out the POV of the story. (It may be helpful to review the handout from last Wednesday.)


HOMEWORK for Wednesday, 11/26/14 [Both 701 & 702]
  1. Due Monday, 12/1/14: Read your IRB: at least 30 pages and 3 post-it responses.
  2. Due Monday, 12/1/14: In a short paragraph, either on the blank space provided on the "Literary Element#6: Point of View" handout or on a separate sheet of loose leaf paper, create a story based on the drawing (comic strip panel) on the handout. Write the story based on one of the 5 possible points of view (a) - (e) listed on the backside of the handout. In other words, as a story writer, you will have to decide whether to tell your story from:
    • the girl's first person point of view
    • the mouse's first person point of view
    • an outside narrator's third person limited point of view, shadowing the girl throughout her adventures
    • an outside narrator's third person limited point of view, shadowing the mouse throughout its adventures
    • an outside narrator's third person omniscient point of view, able to tell readers what every character is thinking and feeling.

HOMEWORK for Monday, 11/24/14 [Both 701 & 702]
  1. Due Tuesday, 11/25/14: Continue to bring your Queens Library card to school. Make sure you keep in your wallet or a secure and safe place.
  2. Due Tuesday, 11/25/14: Read 10 pages of your IRB and write 1 post-it response.
  3. Due Tuesday, 11/25/14: In 1-2 paragraphs, play the role of a main character in your IRB and write a “Dear ___" (insert name of advice columnist or your own name) letter seeking advice about the major conflict that the character is having in the IRB story.
    • SAMPLE #1: Dear _, Summer is almost over and I want to be back in school, but there is one girl who joined last year who has been trying to ruin my reputation, my work, EVEN MY FRIENDSHIPS!!!! but she acts all nice to teachers and MY friends to try to make them go against me and like her more than me! But me and my BFFs have known each other for over 3 years! What should I do? – Melody
    • SAMPLE #2: Dear , I am starting school soon, and I am so nervous! I am going into the 7th grade (the middle of Junior High) and I feel so anxious. See, I am going to a new school and have no idea what to do! I have gone to the same school all my life, and have always known everybody. Due to my parents' divorce, I have moved before, but within the same town. Now, I have moved somewhere completely different. What should I do to cope with the move, make friends, get used to school, and just not be so nervous? Thanks so much. – Carl



HOMEWORK for Tuesday 11/18/14 [Both 701 & 702]
  1. Due Wednesday, 11/19/14: Complete a "mind mirror" that reflects/shows your thinking about an important or memorable character from your independent reading book. Your "mind mirror" should contain both words and drawings. While you do not need to be artistic or confident in art, I encourage you put effort into your creation, such as coloring your drawing. Here are the steps and requirements and some sample "mind mirrors":
    • STEP 1: Write the title and author of the IRB on your blank/drawing paper.
    • STEP 2: Choose an important or memorable character from your IRB.
    • STEP 3: Draw a portrait or silhouette of your IRB (don't stress, just try your best; the focus is on the words and not on the art)
    • STEP 4: Carefully select and copy down 2 quotes in the character's own words (for example, dialogue) that best represent the character's personality/traits
    • STEP 5: Carefully select and write down 2 powerful adjectives that describe the character or his/her feelings
    • STEP 6: Draw 2 symbols important to the story/scene/character (for example, you may want to draw a "heart" for a love story, or a "scale" for a story about justice)
    • STEP 7: In the background of your drawing, illustrate the setting of the story
    • STEP 8: Whether on the drawing or on the back of the paper, describe how you feel about the character in 2 statements/sentences.
    • Sample 1:
    • Examples of Mind Mirrors.jpg
    • Sample 2:
    • Sample Mind Mirror 1.jpg
    • Sample 3
    • Sample Mind Mirror 2.jpg

HOMEWORK for Monday 11/16/14
  1. Due Monday, 11/17/14: Complete "Literal, Inferential or Critical" Worksheet. You will need to re-read the definitions for the 3 kinds of thinking (check your notes) as well as reread the short story "Papa's Parrot" to decide whether the statement represents a literal, inferential or critical response.
    • For literal responses, you will need to copy down quotes from the text that literally expresses the same idea as the statement.
    • For inferential responses, you will need to copy down quotes from the text that leads one to make the inference reflected in the statement.
    • For critical responses, you simply need to write down that the statement is an opinion or original thought about the text.
    • Literal.docx
  2. Due Monday, 11/17/14: Continue reading your independent reading book ("IRB") - read as much as you can or as much as you'd like
  3. Due Monday, 11/17/14: Bring Independent Reading Book ("IRB") to class.
    • If you're almost done with your IRB, make sure to bring a second IRB book!
    • Please DO NOT continue to read a book that you've read before. We want to encourage you to expand your reading list!

HOMEWORK for Thursday 11/6/14
For 701 & 702:
  1. Due Friday, 11/7/14: Read at least 15 minutes of your independent reading book
  2. Due Friday, 11/7/14: Using sticky notes, write down 2 additional responses: (1) make a prediction, (2) make a text-to-text comparison
  3. Due Friday, 11/7/14: Bring your independent reading book to class [if you're almost finished with your current book, make sure you also bring a second book!]

In addition for 702:
  1. Due Friday, 11/7/14: For those who did not complete the "Using Kirkus Reviews" handout during class, please do so tonight and bring in the completed handout tomorrow.

HOMEWORK for Wednesday 11/5/14 [Both 701 & 702]
  1. Due Thursday, 11/6/14:
  • Read independently for at least 15 minutes.
  • Identify 2 sections/sentences that stood out to you, and create 2 sticky notes with your responses/reactions, explaining why you find those sections/sentences memorable.
  • Bring your independent reading book to class tomorrow. Place the sticky notes on the pages containing the sections that stood out to you.

HOMEWORK for Tuesday 10/21/14 [Both 701 & 702]
  1. Due Wednesday, 10/21/14: Complete the Body Paragraphs portion of the "Drafting Your Timed-Write Essay" handout.
    • 701: Follow the format we went over in class for the first body paragraph, and draft the second body paragraph. Remember you will be writing about the second indirect characterization method that the author uses to make her main character more memorable and "come alive."
    • 702: I did not get a chance to model writing the body paragraphs during class, but try your best, as it would be still be very useful for us to discuss which areas posed particular challenges. Use your prior knowledge about essay writing, follow the outline on the handout, and refer to the previous handout on indirect characterization methods. See link below (Friday 10/17) for the template.


HOMEWORK for Friday 10/17/14
  1. Due Monday, 10/20/14: Complete the chart on the "Methods of Indirect Characterization" handout. Each row of the completed chart should highlight one of the 5 methods (T-A-L-E-S) that the writer uses to reveal Squeaky's character without directly telling readers. The supporting quote with page and line numbers should go into the left hand column; what we learn about Squeaky should be inserted into the right hand column.
  2. Due Monday, 10/20/14: Finish reading "Raymond's Run"
  3. Due Monday, 10/20/14: What message (theme) do you think Toni Cade Bambara is trying to convey to readers through her short story "Raymond's Run"? Write down your ideas in 2 thoughtfully written paragraphs.
  4. Due Next Week: Make sure you bring in an independent reading book that you are interested in reading when we have a double-period.
    • 701 Tuesdays and Fridays
    • 702 Thursdays and Fridays

Methods of Indirect Characterization.docx


Text 6 Raymond's Run by Toni Cade Bambara.pdf


HOMEWORK for 10/10/14 [Both 701 & 702]
  1. Due Tuesday, 10/14/14: Read independently for at least 30 minutes each day.
    • At least 30 minutes Saturday
    • At least 30 minutes Sunday
    • At least 30 minutes Monday
  2. Due Tuesday, 10/14/14: Complete a reader response (at least 2 thoughtful paragraphs) for Tuesday:
    • Include title and author
    • Pages read
    • Provide a brief summary
    • Explain which of the 5 basic literary elements (plot, setting, character, conflict, and theme) stood out to you. (Note: it’s easier to discuss theme or message when you’ve read the whole book)
      • Exception: if you are reading a NON-FICTION book, write a response telling me whether or not you notice any of the 5 basic literary elements in the NON-FICTION book. If you do not see a clear plot, setting, character, conflict or theme in the NON-FICTION book you are reading, can you explain the writer's purpose in writing the book?
  3. Due Tuesday, 10/14/14: Complete Vocabulary Challenge Handout for Vocabulary List #1 [702: I did not get to distribute the handout during class, so simply write down the words in the proper sequence on a separate sheet of loose leaf for turning in on Tuesday.]
    • Note: You will NOT be quizzed on words from List #1. Tuesday's quiz will only concern words from List #2. However, the quiz will be similar to the format of this handout. Complete this handout as a practice for Tuesday's quiz on List #2
    • Rikki Tikki Tavi - Vocab Challenge.docx
  4. Due Tuesday, 10/14/14: Prepare for Tuesday's Quiz on Vocabulary List #2
  5. Due Tuesday, 10/14/14: Vocabulary List #2 will be collected on Tuesday after the quiz. Make sure you've written down an original sentence for word #s 1-10, and an original sentence and definition for word #s 11-15.
  6. [701 Only]: Due Tuesday, 10/14/14: Bring Independent Reading Book. Time permitting, you will get a chance to read during the 2nd period.


HOMEWORK for 10/9/14 [Both 701 & 702]
  1. Due Friday, 10/10/14: Make sure to bring independent reading material (fiction, non-fiction) that you are interested in reading. Do not expect to simply search through the class library during valuable reading time; you will be marked down as unprepared.

HOMEWORK for 10/8/14 [Both 701 & 702]
  1. Due Thursday, 10/9/14: Bring independent reading book
  2. Due Thursday, 10/9/14: Bring 2 pocket folder/portfolio for organizing your free writes.

HOMEWORK for 10/7/14 [Both 701 & 702]
  1. Due Wednesday, 10/8/14: Write 2-3 paragraphs from the point of view of either (a) Margot, or (b) one of the other students in the story. Step into the character's shoes, describe how he/she must be feeling when the closet door is opened and Margot is let out, and predict what is likely happen to happen after the final scene in the story.
  2. Due Wednesday, 10/8/14: Please bring 2 pocket folder/portfolio for organizing your free writes. [We didn't get a chance to do up till now, but we'll spend time going over the routine tomorrow.]


HOMEWORK for 10/6/14
For 701
  1. Due Tuesday, 10/7/14: Complete the "Rising Action" section of your story arc for "Rikki-tikki-tavi"
  2. Due Tuesday, 10/7/14: Bring 2 pocket folder/portfolio for organizing your free writes.
  3. Due Tuesday, 10/7/14: Bring independent reading book.

For 702
  1. Due Tuesday, 10/7/14: Complete the "Exposition," "Falling Action," and "Resolution" sections of your story arc for "Rikki-tikki-tavi"
  2. Due Tuesday, 10/7/14: Bring 2 pocket folder/portfolio for organizing your free writes.



HOMEWORK for 10/2/14
For 701:
  1. Due Friday, 10/3/14. Bring independent reading book, (optional: bring library card # AND PIN if you would like time to read book reviews online on the Kirkus Reviews website and reserve books through Queens Library).
  2. Due Friday, 10/3/14. Bring 2-pocket portfolio/folder for organizing free writes
For 702:
  1. Due Friday, 10/3/14. Bring independent reading book, (optional: bring library card # AND PIN if you would like time to read book reviews online on the Kirkus Reviews website and reserve books through Queens Library).
  2. Due Friday, 10/3/14. Complete new quote sandwich describing Rikki: (1) Insert introduction into the context/background section ("top bun"); (2) Find quotes for the evidence section ("burger" - make sure to introduce quotes by explaining what was happening in the scene leading up to the quotes); (3) End your analytical paragraph by explaining why the evidence ("bottom bun") proves your point.



HOMEWORK for 10/1/14 [BOTH 701 & 702]
  1. Due Thursday, 10/2/14. Finish reading "Rikki-tikki-tavi." Write 1 paragraph identifying the most exciting scene in the story. Please explain your choice.
  2. Click on the document to download a copy of the short story.
Rikki Tikki Tavi.docx



HOMEWORK for 9/30/14
For 701:
  1. Due Wednesday, 10/1/14. For our double-period today, we worked on writing a clear summary of "Rikki-tikki-tavi" using the "Journalists' Questions" (5Ws & 1H) strategy. Insert your summary in the Context/Background (top bun) portion of a new quote sandwich describing Rikki. You will need to look up quotes (burger) to support your claim. (For example, if you are arguing that Rikki is brave, you will need textual evidence showing that he is brave.) Don't forget to include your analysis and explanation (bottom bun). HW Quote Sandwich for Rikki.jpg

For 702:
  1. Due Wednesday, 10/1/14. Complete the Vocabulary List #1 Handout. For vocabulary words 11-15, (a) write down the definition and (b) create a sentence using the word. For vocabulary words 16-20, all of the above and (c) add some visual representation by drawing a picture that illustrates the meaning of the word. Your original sentences should demonstrate an understanding of the word's meaning. In other words, do not create sentences that say: "I had to look up the word 'vitality.'"


HOMEWORK for 9/29/14 [Both 701 and 702]
  1. Due Tuesday, 9/30/14: Finish reading up till paragraph 50 at the top of page 6 of "Rikki-tikki-tavi. In addition, find another sentence that triggered a strong reaction from you. Copy down the sentence (use ellipses in the case of long sentences) in your double entry journal and explain your reaction. Those students with 2 original entries will get full credit; those with 1 original entry will get half credit.



HOMEWORK for 9/24/14
For 701:
  1. Due Monday, 9/29/14: Finish reading until the end of page of "Rikki-tikki-tavi."
  2. Due Monday, 9/29/14: In a thoughtful paragraph (1) define "foreshadowing" (as a literary device/technique) and (2) explain why paragraph 15 of "Rikki-tikki-tavi" might be an example of foreshadowing (for example, you may want to analyze what is being foreshadowed, and what are possible effects of foreshadowing on readers).

For 702:
  1. Due Monday, 9/29/14: In a thoughtful paragraph (1) define "foreshadowing" (as a literary device/technique) and (2) explain why paragraph 15 of "Rikki-tikki-tavi" might be an example of foreshadowing (for example, you may want to analyze what is being foreshadowed, and what are possible effects of foreshadowing on readers).
  2. Extra Credit: define "personification" (as a literary device/technique). We will tackle the question of whether personification is a technique used by Rudyard Kipling in writing "Rikki-tikki-tavi."



HOMEWORK for 9/23/14
For 701:
  1. Due Wednesday, 9/24/14: (1) Write down your Queens Library card number in your planner or on a secure page in your ELA binder, (2) If you have not yet set up a PIN number to access your Queens Library account on the internet, do so. If you already have a personal PIN, memorize your secret code so you may use school computers during independent reading periods to reserve titles for pick-up at the Jackson Heights branch library.

For 702:
  1. Due Wednesday, 9/24/14: Reread the directions provided on the "Using Kirkus Reviews" handout on how to access, search and sort through age-appropriate book reviews online. Visit the Kirkus Reviews website online. Follow the steps listed on the handout and complete the questions on the final page of the handout. Students who are unable to access the internet or who have difficulty finding the answers to the 5 questions should speak to me after class.


HOMEWORK for 9/19/14
For 701:
  1. Due Monday, 9/22/14: Complete 701's Reader Response #1 - (1) Copy down a memorable quote (1-3 sentences) from your in-class independent reading, indicating page number; (2) Write down the title and author of the book you read; and (3) Explain in a page (one side) of writing why you find the quote memorable.

For 702:
  1. Due Monday, 9/22/14: Respond to the following questions in 2 thoughtfully written paragraphs: (1) Why does Rachel put on the sweater even though it's not hers? What would you have done?


HOMEWORK for 9/18/14 [BOTH 701 AND 702]
  1. Due Friday, 9/18/14: Following the format outlined in today's lesson handout, on a loose leaf paper or on the back of the "My Quote Sandwich" worksheet, create your own ORIGINAL quote sandwich for Victor, complete with (1) claim, (2) context, (3) quotes, and (4) explanation. (Do not copy the examples we looked at in class.)
  2. Due Friday, 9/18/14: Bring independent reading material to Friday's class. We will read independently, time permitting during the double-period.
  3. Recommended for Friday, 9/18/14: Students with active Queens Library accounts and who have already set up a PIN for logging onto the Queens Library website to request books -- please bring in your library card and PIN. You will be given a chance to use the school computer to reserve titles for pick-up at the Jackson Heights Branch next door.

For 702 only (in addition to the three items listed above):
  1. Due Friday, 9/18/14: Students who did not turn in your reader responses at the end of class today: Complete your 1st Reader Response Assignment by copying down a memorable quote (1-3 sentences) from today's independent reading and explain in a paragraph why the sentences stand out in your mind.



HOMEWORK for 9/16/14 [Both 701 AND 702]
  1. Due Wednesday, 9/17/14: Underneath the free write you completed in class ("How would you describe Victor, and why?"), copy down verbatim (in other words, word for word,) 2 pieces of evidence from the short story that prove you view of Victor. Make sure to tell us which paragraph each piece of evidence comes from.



HOMEWORK for 9/15/14
For 701:
  1. Due Tuesday, 9/16/14: Finish reading "Seventh Grade" by Gary Soto
  2. Due Tuesday, 9/16/14: Bring independent reading material (novel, non-fiction book, graphic novel, comic book, magazine, newspaper, etc.) for our double period class tomorrow.

For 702:
  1. Due Tuesday, 9/16/14: Draw a box around the paragraph with the greatest tension in the story. (In other words, bracket the most exciting paragraph in the story.)



HOMEWORK for 9/11/14
For 701:
  1. Due Friday, 9/15/14: Bring independent reading material (novel, non-fiction book, graphic novel, comic book, magazine, newspaper, etc.) for our double period class tomorrow.
  2. Due Monday, 9/15/14: Students who have not yet gathered all of their required ELA supplies must do so by next Monday. I will be conducting spot checks from time to time. Assemblage of the supplies count toward a homework grade.
For 702:
  1. Due Friday, 9/15/14: Bring independent reading material (novel, non-fiction book, graphic novel, comic book, magazine, newspaper, etc.) for our double period class tomorrow.
  2. Due Friday, 9/15/14: Continue to bring your completed Summer Reading Assignment to class! I WILL collect 702's essays+logs tomorrow.
  3. Due Monday, 9/15/14: Students who have not yet gathered all of their required ELA supplies must do so by next Monday. I will be conducting spot checks from time to time. Assemblage of the supplies count toward a homework grade.



HOMEWORK for 9/10/14 [Both 701 & 702]
  1. Due Thursday, 9/11/14: Since we took more time than anticipated organizing our ELA binders during class today, please remember to bring your completed Summer Reading Assignment to class tomorrow.
  2. Due Thursday, 9/11/14: In a short paragraph, respond to the following question: How often do you borrow books from the Queens Library? And do you have your own library card?
  3. Due Monday, 9/15/14: Students who have not yet gathered all of their required ELA supplies must do so by next Monday. I will be conducting spot checks from time to time. Assemblage of the supplies count toward a homework grade.



HOMEWORK for 9/9/14 [Both 701 & 702]
  1. Due Wednesday, 9/10/14: Bring completed Summer Reading Assignment to class tomorrow!
  2. Due Wednesday, 9/10/14: Bring all of your required school supplies (Check out the supply list for 7ELA on the main wiki page)
  3. Due Wednesday, 9/10/14: On a sheet of loose leaf paper, write down 5 rules that all students in our classroom should follow in order to make it a great place for learning.



SUMMER HOMEWORK (Due 1st Day of School):
Summer HW for Incoming 7th Graders.docx